The Modern Scholar: The Norsemen - Understanding Vikings and Their Culture

Professor Michael D.C. Drout of Wheaton College immerses listeners in the extraordinary legacy of Viking civilization, which developed in what is now Scandinavia during the early Middle Ages. During the course of these lectures, Professor Drout explores how these peoples conquered all of Northern Europe, traveled as far as Byzantium in the East and North America in the West, and left a literary legacy that includes numerous works studied and enjoyed to this day.

The Modern Scholar: A History of the English Language

Professor Drout addresses the foundation of language and its connection to specific portions of the brain. The components of language are explained in easy-to-understand terms and the progression of the language from Germanic to Old, Middle, and Modern English is fully illustrated - including such revolutionary language upheavals as those brought about by the Norman Conquest and the Great Vowel Shift.

The Modern Scholar: Rings, Swords, and Monsters: Exploring Fantasy Literature

In this course, the roots of fantasy and the works that have defined the genre are examined. Incisive analysis and a deft assessment of what makes these works so very special provides a deeper insight into beloved works and a better understanding of why fantasy is such a pervasive force in modern culture.

The Modern Scholar: Tolkien and the West: Recovering the Lost Tradition of Europe

The works of J.R.R. Tolkien are quite possibly the most widely read pieces of literature written in the 20th century. But as Professor Michael Drout illuminates in this engaging course of lectures, Tolkien's writings are built upon a centuries-old literary tradition that developed in Europe and is quite uniquely Western in its outlook and style. Drout explores how that tradition still resonates with us to this day, even if many Modernist critics would argue otherwise. He begins the course with the allegory of a tower....

Bard of the Middle Ages - The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer: The Modern Scholar

Through his writing, Chaucer's wit, charm, and eloquence give us a deeper understanding of not only the time in which he lived, but of how human emotion, frailty, and fortitude are the base elements of human existence. Despite social upheaval and the changing fortunes of his patrons and peers, Chaucer remained a favored subject during three distinct and contrasting reigns. His experiences provided Chaucer an appreciation for his good (and bad) fortune - and that of others - made evident in his writing.

Modern Scholar: How to Think: The Liberal Arts and Their Enduring Value

In How to Think: The Liberal Arts and Their Enduring Value, Professor Michael D. C. Drout gives an impassioned defense and celebration of the value of the liberal arts. Charting the evolution of the liberal arts from their roots in the educational system of Ancient Rome through the Middle Ages and to the present day, Drout shows how the liberal arts have consistently been "the tools to rule", essential to the education of the leaders of society. Offering a reasoned defense of their continuing value, Drout also provides suggestions for improving the state of the liberal arts in contemporary society.

The Modern Scholar: From Here to Infinity: An Exploration of Science Fiction Literature

The best science fiction asks essential questions: What does it mean to be human? Are we alone in the universe, and what does it mean if we're not? Esteemed professor Michael D. C. Drout traces the history of science fiction in this series of stimulating lectures. From Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to today's cutting- edge authors, Drout offers a compelling analysis of the genre, including a look at the golden age of science fiction, New Wave writers, and contemporary trends in the field.

The Modern Scholar: Celts and Germans: The Enduring Heritage of the European Northlands

One of the Modern Scholar's most popular lecturers, Professor Timothy B. Shutt of Kenyon College examines the contributions of the peoples of northern Europe through their vibrant literary legacy. As Professor Shutt's textual analysis reveals, Celtic and Germanic values shine through these works, exhibiting such characteristics as courage, self-control, and respect for women. As listeners will find, the legacy of the European Northlands formed a cultural pattern that continues to this day.

A Way with Words IV: Understanding Poetry

In part IV of this fascinating series, Professor Drout submerses listeners in poetry's past, present, and future. Addressing such poetic luminaries as Milton,Wordsworth, Shelley, and Keats, these lectures explain in simple terms what poetry is while following its development through the centuries.

Outsmart Yourself: Brain-Based Strategies to a Better You

The brain is an astounding organ, and today neuroscientists have more insights than ever about how it works - as well as strategies for helping us live better every day. These 24 practical lectures give you a wealth of useful strategies for improving your well-being. By presenting evidence-based "hacks" for your brain, Professor Vishton empowers you to take charge of your life and perform better all around.

The Modern Scholar: Way with Words: Writing Rhetoric and the Art of Persuasion

Esteemed professor Michael D. C. Drout brings his expertise in literary studies to the subject of rhetoric. From history-altering political speeches to friendly debates at cocktail parties, rhetoric holds the power to change opinions, spark new thoughts, and ultimately change the world.

The Modern Scholar: A Way With Words, Part II: Approaches to Literature

In A Way with Words II: Approaches to Literature, Michael D.C. Drout leads a series of lectures that focus on the big questions of literature. Throughout, he introduces the major schools of literary and critical thought and employs illuminating examples from the world's most important literary works. This course proves a wonderful exploration of one of humankind's most cherished pursuits.

A Brief History of the Anglo-Saxons: Brief Histories

Starting AD 400 (around the time of their invasion of England) and running through to the 1100s (the 'Aftermath'), historian Geoffrey Hindley shows the Anglo-Saxons as formative in the history not only of England but also of Europe. The society inspired by the warrior world of the Old English poem Beowulf saw England become the world's first nation state and Europe's first country to conduct affairs in its own language, and Bede and Boniface of Wessex establish the dating convention we still use today.

The Modern Scholar: Singers and Tales: Oral Tradition and the Roots of Literature

In this course, Professor Michael D. C. Drout traces literature back to its ultimate sources in oral tradition. Drout shows us how works as varied as the Odyssey, Beowulf, the Finnish Kalevala, and epic songs from the former Yugoslavia were shaped by their origins as songs sung - and composed - before a live audience. Understanding the oral roots of these great works lets us see them in a whole new light.

The Modern Scholar: Medieval Mysteries: The History Behind the Myths of the Middle Ages

The Middle Ages is not only a period of Romance, but of legends, tales, and mysteries. In this course, Professor Thomas F. Madden guides listeners through the most famous and enduring narratives of medieval Europe. Beginning with King Arthur, Professor Madden peels back layers of exaggeration and fiction to lay bare the historical basis for the mythical king.

The Irish Identity: Independence, History, and Literature

Many political and cultural events sent shock waves through the Irish world in the 19th and early 20th centuries as Ireland gradually shook off the shackles of British rule. Alongside a long and painful political process arose one of the greatest flourishings of literature in modern times - a spirited discourse among those who sought to shape their nation's future, finding the significance of their bloody present intimately entwined with their legendary past.

Native Peoples of North America

The Great Courses has partnered with Smithsonian to bring you a course that will greatly expand your understanding of American history. This course, Native Peoples of North America, pairs the unmatched resources and expertise of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian with the unparalleled knowledge of Professor Daniel M. Cobb of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to provide a multidisciplinary view of American history.

The Modern Scholar: A Way With Words Part III: Grammar for Adults

Since others judge you by the way you speak, the intricacies of grammar, in fact, should not be relegated to the realm of fussy "guardians of the language," but are rather essential clues all can employ to communicate more exactly. In such a light, this course forms an invaluable guide for everyone from all fields of interest.

The Norman Conquest: The Battle of Hastings and the Fall of Anglo-Saxon England

An upstart French duke who sets out to conquer the most powerful and unified kingdom in Christendom. An invasion force on a scale not seen since the days of the Romans. One of the bloodiest and most decisive battles ever fought.

1066: The Year That Changed Everything

With this exciting and historically rich six-lecture course, experience for yourself the drama of this dynamic year in medieval history, centered on the landmark Norman Conquest. Taking you from the shores of Scandinavia and France to the battlefields of the English countryside, these lectures will plunge you into a world of fierce Viking warriors, powerful noble families, politically charged marriages, tense succession crises, epic military invasions, and much more.

Archaeology: An Introduction to the World's Greatest Sites

The work of archaeologists has commanded worldwide attention and captivated the human imagination since the earliest days of exploration, with groundbreaking discoveries such as the treasures of ancient Egypt, the lost kingdoms of the Maya, and the fabled city of Troy. Archaeology brings us face-to-face with our distant ancestors, with treasures of the past, and with life as it was lived in long-ago civilizations.

The Life and Writings of C. S. Lewis

What can we still learn from C.S. Lewis? Find out in these 12 insightful lectures that cover the author's spiritual autobiography, novels, and his scholarly writings that reflect on pain and grief, love and friendship, prophecy and miracles, and education and mythology.

Poems of the Elder Edda: The Middle Ages Series

The great poetic tradition of pre-Christian Scandinavia is known to us almost exclusively though the Prose Edda, a collection of narrative literature, and its companion, the Poetic Edda. The poems originated in Iceland, Norway, and Greenland between the ninth and 13th centuries, when they were compiled in a unique manuscript known as the Codex Regius. The poems are primarily lyrical rather than narrative.

Jon buys from Amazon says:"Great listen and we'll voiced by the Narrators "

Saxons, Vikings, and Celts: The Genetic Roots of Britain and Ireland

WASPs finally get their due in this stimulating history by one of the world's leading geneticists. Saxons, Vikings, and Celts is the most illuminating book yet to be written about the genetic history of Britain and Ireland. Through a systematic, ten-year DNA survey of more than 10,000 volunteers, Bryan Sykes has traced the true genetic makeup of British Islanders and their descendants.

Publisher's Summary

Had the Angles and Saxons not purposefully migrated to the isles of the Britons and brought with them their already-well-developed use of language, Angelina Jolie may never have appeared in the movie Beowulf.

Professor Michael D.C. Drout is at his best when lecturing on the fascinating history, language, and societal adaptations of the Anglo-Saxons. He not only presents their storytelling abilities using their own words; he does so in their own voice - the incredibly melodious Old English.

I came to this Lecture reluctantly. I have been very disappointed by other "Modern Scholar Courses" finding them either superficial, intellectually or academically sloppy, or mediocre at best. Also I had no enthusiasm for the subject. The introduction did not help, making it seem like more of the same...

BUT, this was a truly fascinating and wonderful read. The prof is amazing. He is as academically rigorous as I could wish and he teaches his subject in a very complex yet engaging way. His work is easy to follow and very interesting despite delving very deep into many academic debates.

I STRONGLY recommend this course to anyone from late High School on through PhD level. This is just well done scholarship in a very interesting way. The first and last lectures are not great but the stuff in between is phenomenal. I now want to learn much more on this subject.

Again, this is not how I have viewed other Modern Scholar productions which I have been profoundly disappointed with. This absolutely worth the time and money.

I come at this review as a non-specialist in medieval/dark age history (being much more of a math/science person) but very interested in the subject. After having bought several lecture series from the Teaching Company, I only recently discovered the Modern Scholar series here on Audible. This was my first purchase in the Modern Scholar library and it is by far my favorite. Michael Drout is a fantastic teacher with a genuine enthusiasm for the subject. He is clearly a current scholar, and includes recent academic work in the field in a very accessible format. I especially appreciate his (for the most part) non-partisan discussion and straight forward, no-nonsense, engaging, but not at all dumbed-down, approach. I really wish I had more professors in college with his gift for teaching. After the first listen, I was motivated to learn more about the Anglo-Saxons, and that - to me - is the mark of a successful teacher.

Very highly recommended. You will not regret spending a credit on this series.

I totally include my support for Prof. Drout's work here - his enthusiasm and narration really make it work. I'm always hoping to find a great series or fun historical lecture and frankly - quite a few become my "fall asleep" during bouts of insomnia choices. I'm grateful this was not one of those. He's got real talent. Makes me want to be in his classroom.

(For some reason, my paragraph breaks aren't showing up on the Audible site, so I've put a slashmark at the end of each paragraph to hopefully mimic a paragraph break and make this easier to follow)/
I have enjoyed these lectures so tremendously that after listening to all 8 hours, I went right back to the beginning to re-listen and as I suspected I would, pick up a lot of fascinating information I'd missed the first listen./

Drout gives an in depth overview to a dead culture and he not only brings these ancient people to life and their most interesting characters, works, and historical events to life, but he also makes them relevant by explaining their influences to our modern cultures and language and ideas. /

I purchased this on some whim but thanks to these wonderful lectures, I have developed such a fascination and interest in the Anglo-Saxon world, I'm toying with the idea of returning to school and majoring in A-S studies! And I'm old! /

Also, I can see myself using every one of my credits for the next couple of years ONLY on the Modern Scholar series. In fact, I grit my teeth when I think of every credit wasted on crap vamp lit!

Whatever you know (or think you know) about the Anglo-Saxon world, be prepared to learn much more about their language while you are gaining knowledge of their history, culture, art, warfare and all the other aspects of their society. The author and lecturer is a philologist, meaning that he is an expert on languages like J.R.R. Tolkien. Because he is able to tease out threads of culture from his scholarship with their language and manuscripts, you will discover things about the people who came to post-Roman Britain beginning in the mid-400s. Their influence continued up through the Norman invasion in 1066 and for nearly 200 more years in various parts of England and Wales. He uses the mnemonic device MCGVR (pronounced like McGyver) to help the listener recall the major elements of the Anglo-Saxon history. He lectures in an engaging and sometimes humorous way, so the presentation isn't dry, but this is DEFINITELY NOT the book if you want a quick study of Beowulf before a test. You'll learn a lot about that book but it won't be worth the price in your listening time. But if you want to be able to really KNOW something about this important era of English history so you can fit in King Alfred and all the characters named Harold and where the Vikings come into the story, this is the book for you.

Of all the Modern Scholar audiobooks I've downloaded, this is right at the top as one of my favorites. Professor Drout does an excellent job. The MCGVR memory trick he used helped me to have a clearer picture of the Anglo-Saxon history and is just one example of why this lecture series is as good as it is. I highly recommend this program!

Fabulous course! Absolutely enthralling -- this is the kind of history teacher you always WISHED for in school. He makes the material accessible and consistently answers the "So What" question, ie: how does this history affect us now, in this century? Archeological, anthropological detail with crisp relevance! Highly recommended!

Professor Drout gives an evocative, fast-paced, and very interesting tour through the history, places, language, people and events of the Anglo-Saxon period in England. I'm a history buff, but this was a new period to me. Well worth a listen, if you're at all interested in a rich but obscure era in English history.

This is a great course by an enthusiastic professor who provides a very entertaining and informative tour of the Anglo-Saxon world. I am very pleased with the quality and content of this course, and will be listening to more work on similar topics by this author. Very highly recommended.

I feel like cheering for this series. It's too bad the entries cost so much for any Audible listener without credits to spare. For a credit, they are one of the best bargains at the website.

This course is just chock full of information. Whether or not you believe Western Civilization represents the best of humanity, Professor Drout will spark your interest in early English history. His presentation is wonderful - wish there were more teachers like him! - and this listener certainly learned much about the cultures (for Anglo-Saxon is not just one culture), language, and literature of the period. And about the way they continue to influence the world today.

I recommend this and others in the Modern Scholar series. Not just for history buffs, but for anyone with a general interest in learning about what made and makes the human species tick.

This is a truly excellent survey of the Anglo Saxon period by a professor who clearly loves it. His accent is heavy American, which takes some getting used to, but you soon forgive this because he handles the material so expertly.

Treat yourself to some Anglo Saxon history today!

8 of 10 people found this review helpful

Catriona

Lincoln, United Kingdom

8/10/11

Overall

"enthralling"

Michael Drout is enthusiastic and carries his enjoyment of his subject into his lectures. This is a period I know little about. In school we jumped from the Romans to the Norman Conquest and anything I've tried to pick up since has tended to be quite dry. Here, the narrative flows; although I could have done with this being twice as long to allow me to fill in some of the inevitable gaps as he sped through several hundred years of history and literature. Well worth listening to.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

1234

4/23/11

Overall

"Brilliant from start to end!"

This lecture series has the winning combination of being jam packed with information and being very entertaining at the same time!
I've been quite interested in this topic for a while but knew little to nothing about it. If only Drout had been my history teacher at school! He has a passion for the subject that definitely comes out in the narration. You'll learn a lot not only about the Angles & Saxons, but also how they fit in with other peoples interacting with England like the Danes, Vikings, Celts, Christianity, Paganism, Rome and much more!

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Serrai Arriannai

Haselbury plucknett, Crewkerne

8/17/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"hmm..."

The Anglo Saxon World.. can't say as I enjoyed this one much.. the translation of Old English sounded rather odd with the American accent, which I found difficult to listen to all the way through..It seemed that prior to this period, his knowledge was sketchy at best. I found his interpretation's a little irritating also, I could not quite believe any Saxony peoples would say things like " hey guys, you wanna check out this place over here" a bit irritating! also, they didn't make beer, they drank ale and mead.annoying!! would have loved to have an audio book on the Saxony peoples and language (or old English) by someone British! sounded very odd with the American accent. Some of it was interesting, but that is about the best I can say about the lectures.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Mr. Acapella

Cornwall, UK

9/29/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"More Words than Worlds"

Author is an expert on literature and dwells mainly on Anglo Saxon words than drawing a full picture of the people themselves. More on archaeological evidence and its significance would have been welcome. But he is a great enthusiast, learned and makes the subject very accessible.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Olivier

thouare sur loire, France

2/17/13

Overall

"Entertaining, Fun and Informative"

I had previously listened to Professor Drout's lectures on science-fiction, which I had only moderately enjoyed after the lecture reaches the 1970's (see my review for more details). But I did nonetheless get the another set of lectures from Professor Drout because he is such a wonderful lecturer with great delivery and an excellent sense of humour. I was hoping that another, more historical, topic would bring out the best in him, and I was not disappointed. The set of lectures on The Anglo-Saxon World covers Britain from 500 AD until 1066 AD (the norman Conquest) with an excellent additional lecture on how the Anglo-Saxon concepts remained important up to the time of Henry the Eight. The lecture on the decades before 1066 and the lecture on the use of Anglo-Saxon as a political football under Henry the Eight are excellent (and stupendously funny at times). I am not a literature student and I was a bit worried during the introduction as it seemed that the lectures would focus more on literature than history, but my fears were soon calmed. I even enjoyed the 3 lectures on "pure" literature (lectures 9-10-11) because they stressed the psychology of people living in those times. So, even if you are not a literature geek, don't skip those 3 lectures. The only aspect that is supremely annoying in this lecture set is that each lecture begins with a long section where Professor Drout reads an excerpt in Anglo-Saxon which probably only 100 persons on Earth understand. These readings are followed by the English translation but they got really irritating, mostly as I am guessing that no one really know how Anglo-Saxon sounded, so were are not learning much from Professor Drout's attempts. Still, a minor quibble. Heartily recommended.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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